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Old 03-29-20, 07:24 AM
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hokiefyd 
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Hi, and welcome!

The Marin bike looks to sell for under $500, and the Trek FX3 is in the $800 range. The FX 1 Stagger Disc is more in line with the Marin in terms of price ($549) and components. At this price range with the Trek, you get mechanical disc brakes and a 3x7 speed freewheel drivetrain (pretty basic). The Marin offers rim brakes (which are arguably at least as good as cheap mechanical disc brakes) and a nicer drivetrain (3x8 speed cassette). To get a 3x8 speed cassette drivetrain in a Trek, you have to move up to the FX 2 Disc Women's Stagger, which retails for $629. You're getting the same basic drivetrain as the Marin, but you are getting hydraulic disc brakes, which would be nice to have. You'd essentially be paying a $160 premium for the Trek with hydraulic disc brakes vs. the Marin with rim brakes.

What's more important than that stuff, though, is the fit of the bike. Do you enjoy riding it? Some bikes just fit people differently, and I would definitely recommend riding both brakes to see what feels the best to you. The Marin's adjustable stem will offer a lot of adjustability without you having to buy additional components, so that's a plus. Your bike shop may offer to swap the Trek's fixed stem for an adjustable one if you asked for it at purchase.

Good luck!
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